U.S. patent number 3,858,762 [Application Number 05/304,921] was granted by the patent office on 1975-01-07 for actuator assembly for an encased dispenser and method.
Invention is credited to Philip Meshberg.
United States Patent |
3,858,762 |
Meshberg |
January 7, 1975 |
ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY FOR AN ENCASED DISPENSER AND METHOD
Abstract
A valved dispenser cartridge is supported within a housing which
is adapted to be mounted to a door or other support. A portion of
the valve stem extends above the cartridge and is connected to and
is operated by a spray button. The spray button is a captive
component of the housing and is retainably mounted thereto for only
sliding, non-tilt motion in response to forces applied by either an
actuator means or the valve stem. The actuator means responds to
relative motion between the support and adjacent external
structures, which motion is thereby converted into an axial
movement of the spray button to dispense product followed by the
immediate release of the spray button permitting it and the valve
stem, which is spring loaded, to return upwardly to their normal
non-dispensing position. The actuating means is preferably
single-acting, utilizing a carriage to move a pivotable pawl which
in the cocked position cams on and depresses the spray button when
the carriage moves in one direction under the action of the
external forces and which in the trail position passes over and
avoids depressing the spray button when the carriage moves in the
return direction under the action of a spring. A mechanism
positively cocks the pawl prior to the next actuating stroke. A
cover to close the housing is also provided. When the dispenser
cartridge is emptied, it alone is removed, discarded and
replaced.
Inventors: |
Meshberg; Philip (Fairfield,
CT) |
Family
ID: |
26263913 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/304,921 |
Filed: |
November 9, 1972 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/180;
222/402.13; 239/274; 222/509 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B05B
11/3052 (20130101); B65D 83/384 (20130101); B65D
83/267 (20130101); B65D 83/205 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B05B
11/00 (20060101); B65D 83/16 (20060101); B65D
83/14 (20060101); B05b 015/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;222/180,325,402.13,402.14,509 ;239/274 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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|
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1,309,928 |
|
Oct 1962 |
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FR |
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1,251,814 |
|
Dec 1960 |
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FR |
|
467,636 |
|
Mar 1969 |
|
CH |
|
1,213,348 |
|
Oct 1959 |
|
FR |
|
Primary Examiner: Reeves; Robert B.
Assistant Examiner: Handren; Frederick R.
Claims
I claim:
1. In combination with an actuator assembly for a valved dispenser
cartridge having a valve stem portion protruding therefrom
including
a housing adapted to be fixedly secured to a support and to receive
the dispenser cartridge,
a spray button mounted for operative connection with the protruding
valve stem portion of the dispenser cartridge, and
actuator means mounted on the housing for cooperation with the
button,
the improvement comprising:
cooperable means comprising elongated ears slidably disposed within
grooved tracks, said means being mounted between the spray button
and the housing for snugly supporting and slidably holding the
spray button for non-tilt reciprocation within the housing, and
shoulder means fixedly mounted to the housing to limit inward
movement of the spray button in the said cooperable means and to
retain the spray button as a captive component of the housing, the
spray button being shaped for cammed cooperation with the actuator
means
whereby relative motion between the housing and the actuator means
is converted into solely axial actuating movement of the button
relative to the dispenser cartridge valve for dispensing product
from the dispenser cartridge, through the valve stem portion and
discharging it through the spray button.
2. The actuator assembly of claim 1 wherein the actuator means is a
single-acting means comprising:
A. a carriage mounted on the housing for slidable movement between
a first position and a second position,
B. a pawl mounted to and carried by the carriage and extending
sufficiently below the carriage for directly contacting and
depressing the spray button, and
C. urging means between the housing and the carriage for moving the
carriage from the second to the first position
whereby when the carriage is moved from the first to the second
position against the action of the urging means, the spray button
is contacted and depressed through cammed cooperation with the pawl
for dispensing product and, upon release of the carriage, the
urging means returns the carriage to the first position without
actuating the spray button.
3. The actuator assembly of claim 2 wherein the single-action
actuator means further comprises:
the pawl being pivotable between a cocked position in line to
directly strike the spray button and a trail position in line to
clear the spray button
whereby when the carriage is moved from the first to the second
position the pawl is in the cocked position and strikes and
depresses the spray button for dispensing product and when the
carriage is moved from the second toward the first position the
pawl is permitted to pivot to the trail position without actuating
the spray button.
4. The actuator assembly of claim 3 further comprising:
a cocking mechanism for moving the pawl from the trail position to
the cocked position after the pawl has cleared the spray button as
the carriage approaches the first position.
5. A dispenser comprising:
A. a housing having means for mounting to a support,
B. a dispenser cartridge held by the housing and having a spring
loaded valve a portion of which extends through and above the
cartridge,
C. a spray button operatively connected to the said valve portion
of the dispenser cartridge,
D. cooperable means comprising elongated ears slidably disposed
within grooved tracks, said means being mounted between the spray
button and the housing for snugly supporting and slidably holding
the spray button for non-tilt reciprocation within the housing and
shoulder means fixedly mounted to the housing to limit inward
movement of the sprayhead in the said cooperable means and to
retain the spray button as a captive component of the housing,
and
E. single-acting, quick-release actuator means mounted on the
housing for cammed cooperation with the button
whereby operating the actuator means in response to relative motion
with respect to the support first depresses the spray button and
dispenses product therethrough from the dispenser cartridge and
then immediately releases the spray button permitting the dispenser
cartridge to seal in a normal non-dispensing mode.
6. The dispenser of claim 5 wherein the single-acting,
quick-release actuator means includes:
A. a carriage mounted on the housing for slidable movement between
a first and second position,
B. a pawl pivotably mounted to and carried by the carriage and
pivotable between a cocked position in line to strike the spray
button and a trail position in line to clear the spray button,
and
C. urging means between the housing and carriage for moving the
carriage from the second to the first position
whereby when the carriage is moved from the first position toward
the second position against the action of the urging means, the
pawl is in the cocked position and strikes and depresses the button
dispensing therethrough product from the dispenser cartridge and is
followed by, upon the release of the carriage, the urging means
returning the carriage to the first position while permitting the
pawl to move to the trail position so as not to actuate the spray
button.
7. An actuator assembly for a valve dispenser cartridge having a
valve stem portion comprising
A. a housing adapted to be fixedly secured to a support and to
receive the dispenser cartridge,
B. grooved tracks mounted integrally within the housing,
C. a spray button operatively connected with the valve stem portion
of the dispenser cartridge and having elongated ears snugly
supported within the grooved tracks for reciprocation therein,
and
D. quick-release actuator means mounted on the housing for cammed
cooperation with the button
whereby relative motion between the housing and the actuator means
is converted into solely axial actuating movement of the button
relative to the dispenser cartridge valve for dispensing product
from the dispenser cartridge, through the valve stem portion and
discharging it through the spray button.
8. The actuator assembly of claim 7 wherein the ears are located on
opposite side surfaces of the spray button and ride in the grooved
tracks.
9. The actuator assembly of claim 7 further comprising means on the
housing to limit movement of the spray button and to retain the
spray button as a captive component of the housing.
10. The actuator assembly of claim 9 wherein the limiting means are
shoulders at one end of the tracks which contact a portion of the
spray button to prevent the ears of the spray button from leaving
the grooved tracks.
11. An actuator assembly for a valved dispenser cartridge having a
valve stem portion comprising
A. a housing adapted to be fixedly secured to a support and to
receive the dispenser cartridge,
B. a spray button mounted for operative connection with the valve
stem portion of the dispenser cartridge,
C. single-acting, quick-release actuator means mounted on the
housing for cammed cooperation with the spray button comprising
1. a carriage mounted on the housing for slidable movement between
a first position and a second position,
2. a pawl mounted to and carried by the carriage for contacting and
depressing the spray button, and
3. urging means between the housing and the carriage for moving the
carriage from the second to the first position,
D. the housing having a laterally extending member adapted to rest
upon and be affixed to the support and formed with a slot for
receiving the carriage and for guiding the carriage during
operation, the carriage extending only partially into the slot to
provide a clearance between the bottom of the carriage and the top
of the support
whereby when the carriage is moved from the first to the second
position against the action of the urging means, the spray button
is contacted and depressed through cammed cooperation with the pawl
converting relative motion between the housing and the actuator
means into axial actuating movement of the button relative to the
dispenser cartridge valve for dispensing product through the valve
stem portion and discharging it through the spray button and, upon
releasing of the carriage, the urging means returns the carriage to
the first position without actuating the spray button.
12. In combination with an actuator assembly for a valved dispenser
cartridge having a valve stem portion protruding therefrom
including
a housing adapted to be fixedly secured to a support and to receive
the dispenser cartridge,
a spray button mounted for operative connection with the protruding
valve stem portion of the dispenser cartridge, and
actuator means mounted on the housing for cooperation with the
button, wherein the improvement comprises:
means fixedly mounted to the housing for slidably retaining said
spray button therein and for slidably holding the spray button
against tilting,
the spray button being shaped for cammed cooperation with the
actuator means, the actuator means comprising
a carriage mounted on the housing for slidable movement between a
first position and a second position,
a pawl mounted to and carried by the carriage and extending
sufficiently below the carriage for directly contacting and
depressing the spray button, and
urging means between the housing and the carriage for moving the
carriage from the second to the first position wherein the urging
means includes a fixed support mounted to the housing and having a
longitudinal axis disposed parallel to the path of movement of the
carriage and wherein the urging means is coaxial with the support
member and the carriage,
the pawl being pivotable between a cocked position in line to
strike the spray button and a trail position in line to clear the
spray button,
a cocking mechanism for moving the pawl from the trail position to
the cocked position after the pawl has cleared the spray button as
the carriage approaches the first position, and wherein
the cocking mechanism includes at least one stop shoulder on the
housing and at least one eccentric lug on the pivotable pawl
whereby when the carriage is moved from the first to the second
position the pawl is in the cocked position and strikes and
depresses the spray button for dispensing product and when the
carriage is moved from the second toward the first position the
pawl is permitted to pivot to the trail position without actuating
the spray button, and, as the carriage approaches the first
position the eccentric lug contacts the stop shoulder which
positively moves the pawl out of the trail position into the cocked
position.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an aerosol or pump-type dispenser housed
in a casing which is adapted to be mounted on a support such as a
door or door jamb and wherein the dispenser valve is actuated by
the spray nozzle and wherein there is also provided on the casing
an actuating means to convert relative motion between the support
and adjacent structures into desired movement of the dispenser
valve.
The invention is useful particularly in automatically dispensing
deodorants into rooms such as kitchens, bathrooms, nurseries,
closets and the like to eliminate odors.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Door mounted spraying devices which activate upon the closing of
the door are old. Such a device is described in Faso U.S. Pat. No.
3,344,959 which discloses a plastic box-like housing and cover
mounted on a door and containing an aerosol dispenser operated by a
pivotable lever having a portion extending beyond the housing for
contacting the door jamb only when the door is closed to thereby
dispense product through the spray head. Bifurcated fingers
maintain the directional orientation of the spray nozzle. A similar
device is shown in English Pat. No. 933,555 (FIGS. 1 and 2) except
that the English device dispenses only when the door is opened.
A significant deficiency in both the aforesaid Faso and English
patents is that, particularly when the spray device is mounted to
an ordinary swinging door, substantial side loads (as distinct from
axial loads) are applied to the valve stem of the aerosol dispenser
during the actuation stroke. These side loads act to score and
scratch the actuator stem and wear out related seals and result in
leakage and seepage around the stem. Applicant overcomes this
problem by a structure which incorporates the spray button as a
captive component of the housing, the spray button being mounted
therein for only sliding, non-tilt motion and thereby transmitting
only vertical loads to the actuator stem. Additionally, as a result
of applicant's unique captive spray button, applicant is able to
use to its utmost the simple, efficient principle of cammed
cooperation directly between the spray button and actuator without
the necessity of costly intermediate pieces in order to convert the
horizontal motion of a door into a solely vertical actuation of the
dispenser valve stem.
The aforesaid Faso and English patents have another serious
deficiency not present in applicant's device which is that when the
door is closed (FASO) or opened (English) to dispense product, the
sprayhead of the aerosol dispenser is held in the depressed
position for as long as the door is closed (FASO) or opened
(English), which could be for weeks or months. As is well known in
the art, although a metered aerosol valve is sealed when its stem
is depressed, the seals that operate in this position are designed
for momentary or short duration sealing, and, indeed, difficulties
have been encountered in trying to construct them otherwise. Thus,
when held depressed for long periods, such valves begin to leak.
This is particularly true with plastic seals in aerosol packages as
distinct from rubber seals. Applicant overcomes this problem
through a unique, trigger-type, quick-release mechanism which
releases the spray button of the aerosol dispenser immediately
after actuation even though the door remains closed (or open, as
the case may be) permitting the valve stem of the aerosol dispenser
to pop up and seal in its normal non-dispensing position. This
advantage is achieved without sacrificing the unique advantage of
having a captive, non-tilt spray button.
Although quick-release, door-mounted dispensers are disclosed in
Marini U.S. Pat. No. 2,534,464; Marini U.S. Pat. No. 2,534,465;
Marini U.S. Pat. No. 2,728,608; Davis U.S. Pat. No. 3,224,644 and
English Pat. No. 933,555 (FIGS. 5 and 6), none show applicant's
structure. Moreover, each of these disclosures teaches the use of
inefficient double-action actuating mechanisms with numerous parts
which dispense product each and every time the door opens and
closes, thus wasting product. Without giving up any of the
previously mentioned advantages, applicant's quick-release
actuating mechanism also overcomes these problems of costliness and
inefficiency by providing in combination therewith a single-acting
mechanism with minimum parts to dispense product on one stroke (say
as the door is closed) and to recycle on another stroke (say as the
door is opened) without again dispensing product. An alternative
embodiment of applicant's device is adaptable to operate as a
double-acting dispenser when such types are desired.
It is also known, as disclosed in Levy U.S. Pat. No. 3,273,756, to
provide a jamb-mounted dispenser which is tripped only as the door
is closed and which immediately releases the spray button. Levy, of
course, does not disclose the capability of operating from a moving
support, such as a door, which is applicant's preferred embodiment.
Moreover, Levy's structure and method of operation are quite
different from applicant's in that Levy does not disclose
applicant's unique captive, non-tilt spray button nor provide a
quick-release mechanism which is adapted to use an efficient cammed
cooperation between the actuator means and spray button as does
applicant. Further, Levy is only capable of operating as the door
is closed since the actuating mechanism recycles immediately even
though the door remains closed. It is not adapted to operate as the
door opens. Applicant's combination affords the capabilities which
Levy lacks and applicant's compact efficient structure makes it a
versatile and substantial improvement over Levy's device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is an actuator assembly for a dispenser
package which includes a housing mounted on a support adapted to
receive the valved dispenser cartridge, a captive spray button
operatively connected to the valve and mounted to the housing for
sliding motion only and against tilting, and an actuator means
mounted on the housing for actuating the spray button to dispense
product from the dispenser cartridge and out through the spray
button.
In the preferred embodiment the actuator means is single-acting, in
that it dispenses product only when moving in one direction, such
as when the door closes, is quick-release in that the spray button
and connected dispenser valve are released immediately after
dispensing a dose of product and return automatically to their
normal non-dispensing position, and has a cammed cooperation with
the surface of the spray button to provide a smooth, efficient
conversion of relative motion between the actuator means and the
housing into an axial actuation of the spray button.
The single-action feature is achieved through a two-position
carriage, pawl and spring means wherein during an actuation stroke
in one direction the pawl strikes and depresses the spray button to
dispense product while simultaneously the spray button is held for
sliding motion only and against tilting and wherein during a return
stroke in the other direction the pawl pivots to a trail position
to pass over the spray button without depressing it.
A cocking mechanism is provided to insure that the pawl is
positively recycled out of the trail position and into a cocked
position for the next actuation stroke.
The objects of the present invention are to provide: a. an actuator
assembly for a mounted dispenser package in which the spray button
is a captive component of the assembly, is positively held against
tilting and transmits only axial loads to the dispenser valve
stem.
b. a quick-release actuator assembly for a mounted dispenser
package which permits the valve of the dispenser to return
automatically to its normal non-dispensing position (up)
immediately after dispensing an amount (whether metered or
non-metered) of product.
c. a single-acting actuator assembly for a mounted dispenser which
causes the dispensing of product only during an actuation stroke in
one direction, but which is easily adaptable to have said stroke
occur either as the support, such as a door, is opening or closing,
or which can even be used in a double-acting mechanism so that
product is dispensed both as the door both opens and closes.
d. a complete self-contained dispenser package having an integral
housing which can be mounted on a door or other movable or
stationary support and which utilizes a disposable, headless
dispenser cartridge.
e. a simple direct and efficient camming cooperation between the
actuator touched by external forces and the spray button which
cooperation reduces or totally eliminates the necessity of having
additional intermediate parts and thereby further reduces costs of
construction.
Further objects will be apparent from the following
description.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a front elevation of the overall combination dispenser of
the present invention without a front cover and showing details of
the captive mounting of the spray button.
FIG. 2 is a side view of the entire combination in partial section
showing the dispenser mounted on a movable support and to be
contacted by an adjacent stationary structure. The dispenser is
shown in the normal non-dispensing mode.
FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing the actuation stroke and
the spray button depressed dispensing product from the nozzle.
FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing the first portion of the
return stroke with the pawl striking the spray button and being
pivoted toward the trail position without depressing the spray
button out of the normal non-dispensing mode.
FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing the completion of the
return stroke without dispensing product and with the pawl first in
the full trail position (dotted lines) and then in the full cocked
position (solid lines).
FIG. 6 is a top plan view taken along the line 6--6 of FIG. 2
further showing the captive, non-tilt mounting of the spray button
in the housing.
FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the overall combination
in partial section and showing alternate embodiments in dotted
lines.
FIG. 8 is an end elevation view of an alternative embodiment of the
mounting means and carriage as viewed from the right hand direction
of FIG. 2.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the housing 10 is a box-like
container or casing adapted to be fixedly secured to a support 11
and to receive the dispenser cartridge designated generally as 12
in FIG. 1. The mounting means is preferably a lateral member 13
integral with the housing 10 and which rests on the top ledge of
swinging door 11. Screws 14 inserted through holes 15 (FIG. 7) are
used to firmly secure the housing to the door. Also shown in FIG. 7
in dotted lines is a variation for mounting to a sliding door
wherein lateral member 13' with screw holes 15' projects from the
side of the housing 10. The front opening of housing 10 is closed
by cover 16 [FIG. 2] which telescopes over and is frictionally
secured to the housing 10 such as by cooperating bead and groove
means 17 shown in FIG. 6. Cover 16 has an aperture 18 in line with
the discharge nozzle of the spray button through which product is
dispensed as more fully described below. The dispenser cartridge 12
is securely held and positioned within the housing by ribs 19. The
housing and cover are preferably molded from plastic or the like
but may also be stamped from metal.
In an alternative embodiment, shown in dotted lines in FIG. 1,
laterally extending resilient ribs 19a integrally molded with the
housing 10 may be substituted for the pair of ribs 19 which extend
vertically from the bottom wall of housing 10. Ribs 19a provide a
resilient mounting which can accommodate variations in the overall
size of the cartridge 12 due to manufacturing tolerances.
The dispenser cartridge 12 is standard in the art. It includes a
container 20 sealed closed by a closure assembly which also
includes a cap 21 and a valve (not shown). The container is loaded
with product to be dispensed and may be pressurized or not
depending on the type of dispenser. The stem 22 of the valve
extends above and through the cap 21 for operative connection to
and movement with the spray button. The dispenser cartridge may be
a metered aerosol dispenser or a pump-type dispenser. As is well
known in the art, the valve of the dispenser cartridge is spring
loaded (valve spring not shown) to the up position which is the
normal sealed or non-dispensing position. Product is discharged
through valve stem 22 by depressing the valve stem 22. Upon release
of the valve stem 22 the spring loaded valve returns automatically
to the up position.
The spray button, generally designated 30 in FIG. 7, is operatively
connected to the valve of the dispenser cartridge 12, for
dispensing product from the dispenser cartridge and discharging it
through the spray button. As best shown in FIG. 3 this is
accomplished by means of a frictional engagement between the valve
stem and the discharge passage 31. Also, the discharge passage 31
has a shoulder means 32 cooperating with valve stem 22 so that a
downward or axial force applied to the spray button causes shoulder
means 32 to depress valve stem 22 and dispense product from the
cartridge 12, through discharge passage 31 and nozzle 33 of spray
button 30 and out aperture 18 of cover 16.
Spray button 16 is molded from plastic or the like and is
retainably mounted to housing 10 for sliding motion only and
against tilting as best seen in FIG. 6. Elongated ears 34, 35 of
the spray button slide in recessed or grooved tracks 36, 37 of lugs
38, 39 molded integrally to the rear wall of housing 10. Lugs 40,
41 are also molded integrally to the rear wall of housing 10 and
are so dimensioned to take up the slack space and create a snug fit
between the leading edges 42, 43 of ears 34, 35 and the cooperating
flanges of lugs 38, 39 and between the rear surface 44 of the spray
button and the leading edges of lugs 40, 41. Spray button 30 is
inserted into tracks 36, 37 from below where, with slight pressure,
barbs 45, 46 (FIG. 7) are first forced apart by ears 34, 35 and
then snap back in to act as a means to limit movement of the spray
button, such as acting as retaining shoulders preventing removal of
the spray button 30 (FIG. 1). Thus, the spray button is truly a
captive member of the housing 10 mounted for sliding motion only
and against tilting and transmits only vertical forces to the valve
stem 22. This is a very important feature of the present invention
because side loads on the valve stem 22 which cause undue wear and
tear on the valve stem and related seals, which loads are the prime
cause of valve stem leakage, are totally eliminated in the present
invention regardless of the manner in which the actuating force is
applied to the spray button. This important feature permits
applicant to apply actuating forces to the spray button through a
camming action without having the disadvantage of coping with side
loads on the valve stem normally associated with such actuating
mechanisms. Also applicant's structure provides directional control
for the spray nozzle so that product is always dispensed from the
spray nozzle 33 through aperture 18 of the cover without hitting
the inside of the cover and dripping as was common in the prior
art.
The top surface of spray button 30 is a predetermined cammed
surface 47 designed for cooperation with the actuating means to
transmit actuating and release movements to the valve stem 22 as
more fully described below.
One of the key features of the present invention is the
trigger-type, single-acting, quick-release actuator means,
generally designated 50 in FIG. 7, which is mounted on the housing
10 for cammed cooperation with the spray button 30 so that relative
motion between the housing and the actuator means is converted into
actuating movement of the spray button to dispense product from the
dispenser cartridge 12 and discharge it through the spray button
30.
The actuator means 50 includes an urging means or spring 51, a
carriage 60, and a pawl 70.
The actuator means is assembled as follows. First the spring 51 is
inserted into housing 10 over guidepin 52 and so that one end abuts
the interior of the front wall of the housing 10 as at 53 of FIG.
2. Then carriage 60 is inserted into housing 10 for sliding
movement, by inserting carriage flanges 61, 62 into housing tracks
23, 24 (FIG. 1), the free end of spring 51 abutting the interior
wall 65 (FIG. 2) of the carriage. Finally, pivot pin 71 of pawl 70
is snapped into the journal mountings 66 (FIG. 7) on the bottom of
the carriage. Pawl 70 is thus mounted to and carried by carriage 60
and also keeps carriage 60 from being thrown out of the housing by
spring 51 since eccentric lugs 72, 73 of pawl 70 abut against
housing stop shoulders 25, 26 best seen in FIGS. 1 and 7. The
eccentric lugs 72, 73 and stop shoulders 25, 26 further serve as
the cocking mechanism for the pawl, as more fully described
below.
Carriage 60 is made of molded plastic or the like and under the
action of an externally applied force is slidable from a first
position (start position) (FIG. 2) with eccentric lugs 72, 73
against stop shoulders 25, 26 to a second position (rest position
(not shown) with the forward edge 68 of the carriage bottomed out
against the interior of the front wall of housing 10. With the
carriage in the rest position, spring 51 is compressed between the
housing and the carriage and, upon removal of the external
actuating force, will return the carriage (and pawl) from the rest
to the start position automatically.
Pawl 70 is made of molded plastic or the like and is pivotable
between a cocked position and a trail position. In the cocked
position of the pawl eccentric lugs 72, 73 are abutting stop
shoulders 25, 26 forcing rear edges 74 of the pawl against abutting
shoulders 67 of the carriage (see FIGS. 2 and 7) and the pawl is
thus in line to strike the cammed surface of the spray button 30
and depress the latter for dispensing product as shown in FIG. 3.
In the trail position the pawl is in line to clear the spray button
without actuating the latter. Therefore, when the carriage is moved
from the start to the rest position against the action of the
urging means 51, the spray button is depressed through cammed
cooperation with the pawl for dispensing product and, upon release
of the carriage the spring 51 returns the carriage from the rest
position to the start position, and as the pawl strikes the spray
button (FIG. 4), the pawl is permitted to rotate to the trail
position (dotted lines of FIG. 5) to thereby clear the spray button
without actuating the latter. The cocking mechanism described above
forcibly moves the pawl from the trail position to the cocked
position (solid lines FIG. 5) after the pawl has cleared the spray
button and as the carriage approaches the start position.
It is apparent from the drawings and the above description that the
quick-release of the spray button is accomplished through the
cammed configuration of the top surface of spray button 30 in
cooperation with the pawl 70. During the actuation stroke the pawl
first engages the cammed surface 47 and depresses the button
causing product to be dispensed and is followed immediately by the
disengagement of the pawl and cammed surface 47 causing the spray
button to be released as the carriage approaches the rest position.
As soon as the spray button is released, it returns to its original
up position under the action of the valve spring in which position
the dispenser cartridge is sealed in a normal, non-dispensing
mode.
The method of operation of the preferred embodiment of the
dispenser is as follows: With the dispenser mounted to an open
door, the carriage is in its start position with eccentric lugs 72,
73 abutting stop shoulders 25, 26 forcing the pawl into its cocked
position with edges 74 against stop shoulders 67, and the spray
head and valve stem of the dispenser cartridge are in the up or
non-dispensing position. When the door 11 is closed, the carriage
60 strikes the stationary door sill 80 which initiates the
actuation stroke moving the carriage and pawl from the starting
position toward the rest position (FIG. 2). During the actuation
stroke, the pawl strikes and is cammed over the forwardly inclined
portion of the cammed surface 47 of the spray button and
simultaneously the spray button is depressed out of the up position
to dispense product from the cartridge 12 and through the spray
button nozzle 33 (FIG. 3). Simultaneously the spray button is being
held for sliding motion only and against tilting motion due to the
snug fit of the spray button in the longitudinal tracks 36, 37 of
the housing. (In the preferred embodiment a metered aerosol valve
is used and dispensing terminates automatically after the metered
dose is dispensed.) As the actuation stroke continues the carriage
and pawl approach the rest position and the pawl passes over and
off of the cammed surface 47 and the spray button is immediately
released, permitting the spring in the dispenser cartridge valve to
return the valve stem and spray button to their original position,
the up or normal non-dispensing mode. When the door reaches its
final closed position, the carriage reaches its rest position
against the front interior wall of the housing. Nothing changes
until the door is opened whereupon the return stroke is begun by
spring 51 moving the carriage from the rest position toward the
start position and in doing so causes the pawl to strike the
rearwardly inclined portion of the cammed surface 47 of the spray
button (but without depressing it) (FIG. 4) and be rotated to the
trail position, i.e., trailing the pawl as it passes over the spray
head during the return stroke to avoid actuating the spray head
(dotted lines FIG. 5). After the pawl has cleared the spray button
and as the carriage approaches the start position, the pawl (if it
has not already begun to move to the cocked position by force of
gravity) is cocked by positively moving the pawl out of the trail
position through the action of eccentric lugs 72, 73 hitting stop
shoulders 25, 26 (solid lines FIG. 5). The pawl is fully cocked as
the carriage again reaches the start position and edges 74 of the
pawl abut shoulders 64 of the carriage.
The primary functions of the actuator means are to cause the
dispensing of a dose of product during each actuation stroke, to
automatically immediately release the dispenser head after each
actuation stroke so that the internal parts of the dispenser's
valve can return to their normal, non-dispensing, sealed position
and, during a return stroke to automatically recycle and cock
without dispensing product in preparation for the next dispensing
shot. Thus, the mechanism to accomplish these functions is
appropriately termed a trigger-type, single-action, quick-release,
actuator means.
By "single-action" or "single acting" is meant that the actuating
means is such as to actuate the spray button to dispense product
only on one stroke in one direction and to recycle by returning to
its original position without again actuating the spray button. The
actuating stroke occurs preferably as the door closes, (but, as
mentioned below, could be as the door opens). The return stroke
occurs preferably as the door opens (but could be as the door
closes).
By "double-action" or "double acting" is meant that product is
dispensed as the door is both opened and closed.
It is to be understood that the actuating force which causes the
relative motion between the housing and the actuating means is
applied as a result of the carriage striking the adjacent structure
surrounding the support 11. Support 11 is normally an inward
opening swinging door and structure 80 is normally a stationary
door jamb. Thus, during operation, the relative motion between the
carriage portion of the actuating means and the housing is
essentially the same as the relative motion between the external
structure and the housing. However, one skilled in the art could
easily rearrange the mounting structure so that the dispenser can
be mounted instead, for example, in the corner of a stationary door
jamb formed by the junction of the vertical and horizontal walls
surrounding the door, the dispenser being positioned so that the
carriage is operated by the door upon the closing thereof. Such an
alternative embodiment is useful for rooms having only an outward
opening door. This alternative embodiment is shown in dotted lines
in FIGS. 6 and 7 by eliminating lateral member 13 and putting screw
holes 91 in the side wall (and top wall, if further support is
needed) of the housing. Holes 91 in the side wall of the housing 10
can also be used to give further support to the embodiment for use
on sliding doors discussed earlier above.
Although it is not shown in the drawings, it is understood that one
skilled in the art could reverse the parts of the actuating
mechanism and the related camming surfaces so that the prefereed
embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-7 dispenses product when the door opens
and does not dispense (i.e., pawl trails) when the door closes. In
such an embodiment (not shown) spring 51 initiates the actuation
stroke and becomes the actuating force to depress the spray button
against the force of the spring in the dispenser cartridge valve.
Thus the relative strengths of the two springs together with the
frictional resistance in the mechanisms must be such as to insure
sufficient strength in spring 51 to cause the spray button to be
depressed.
Similarly, to convert the single-action actuating means into a
double-action actuating means (not shown) so that product is
dispensed as the door is both opened and closed, it is only
necessary to lock the pawl in the cocked position (i.e., eliminate
the pivot feature and trail position of the pawl) and adjust the
cammed surface 47 so that it is symmetrical for operation from
either direction, as would be obvious to one skilled in the art,
having seen the embodiment disclosed in FIGS. 1-7.
It is to be noted that although the preferred embodiment definitely
accomplishes quick-release of the spray button as the door closes
it does not completely recycle until the door is opened. The
carriage and pawl thus can remain in the rest position for a very
long time, even weeks and months, without any disadvantage because
while the carriage is in the rest position, the spray button is not
held in the down position as was done in prior art devices. Rather
the spray button is permitted to rise to its up position where the
dispenser cartridge seals in a normal non-dispensing mode.
There is an important advantage to the quick release feature. As
one skilled in the art will appreciate, aerosol metered valves are
provided with two sets of seals. One set is designed for short
duration sealing and operates with the stem in the depressed
position. This set of seals merely cuts off any flow of additional
product beyond the metered amount. When the valve is released, it
returns to its normal up position where another metered dose is
prepared for dispensing and where the second set of seals operates
to seal the valve. This second set of seals is designed for
effective long duration sealing during all periods of non-use.
Prior door mounted aerosol devices which dispensed metered doses
when the door was closed, suffered from the inherent disadvantage
of keeping the valve stem depressed during all the time that the
door was closed. Thus, what were designed as short duration seals
had to function as long duration seals, and failed, causing such
prior devices to leak severely.
Applicant's structure overcomes the aforesaid leakage problem
through the use of a quick-release actuator in a new combination
which is specially designed to immediately release the valve stem
after actuation so that at all times except during actual actuation
the value stem is sealed in its normal up position, as such valves
were designed to operate.
The captive, non-tilt, spray button gives applicant several
advantages. Most importantly it transmits only axial loads to the
valve stem and eliminates side loads which were heretofore also a
prime cause of valve stem leaks. Secondly it permits applicant to
use headless dispenser cartridges as replacements when the original
dispenser cartridge is empty. The substantial monetary savings is
obvious. Third, it permits the utilization of an efficient camming
surface on the top of the spray button which can be directly
contacted by the actuating member moved by the door jamb thereby
eliminating the need for intermediate parts (such as pivotable
levers) as were necessary in prior art devices and cutting down
frictional resistance. Lastly, it automatically provides the
directional orientation required to spray through the aperture in
the cover.
It can be seen that the portion of the pawl which strikes the
cammed surface 47 of the spray button is also shaped to coperate
therewith and reduce frictional resistance.
It was mentioned above that in the preferred embodiment, dispenser
cartridge 12 is an aerosol and the valve is a metered valve. In
this embodiment, the metered dose is dispensed when the valve stem
is depressed and dispensing terminates automatically due to the
internal working of the dispenser valve even though the valve stem
has not yet risen. If, instead of an aerosol, the dispenser is a
pump-type dispenser, then each down actuation of the valve stem
will pump out and dispense one charge of product from the pump
chamber, the up stroke of the valve stem being used to recharge the
pump chamber.
A further alternative embodiment for the molded plastic mounting
means is shown in FIG. 8. Here a slot has been provided in the
lateral mounting member 113 which attaches to the top ledge of door
111 by screws 114, as for a swinging door mounting previously
described. In this embodiment carriage 160 extends partially down
into the slot such that there is provided small side clearance 161
between the vertical sides of the carriage and slot and bottom
clearance 162 between the bottom of the carriage and the top of the
door ledge. The side and bottom clearances provide a reduction in
frictional drag between the sliding parts and the slot acts as a
track for guiding the carriage during operation reducing the
chances for misalignment or canting of the carriage with resultant
jamming or damage.
The aforesaid description demonstrates the versatility of the
present invention. Versatility is further enhanced by providing
various types and shapes of inexpensive metal brackets which can be
mounted directly to the housing by screws. Holes molded in various
places on the housing are easily provided to accomodate the various
type brackets and for variable positioning of the dispenser to a
support. For example, one leg of an L-shaped bracket can be secured
to the back vertical wall of the housing and the other leg to the
inside of a drawer such that product is dispensed when the drawer
is closed. Through the use of such brackets, the present dispenser
package can be used in a multitude of applications inside or
outside of drawers, closets, cabinets and the like.
* * * * *